How to order destinations in N. Italy, (5 week trip over X-mas).

Posted by kai (traveler) on 12/04/08 08:05 AM

I have 5 weeks to explore Northern Italy, arriving in Bergamo, and visiting different parts of the North specifically including:

1) Trentino/Bolzano (Dolomites)
2) Genoa/Cinque Terre
3) Como/Maggiore Lakes

My question is how to order the trip? Which region first?

I'm arriving in the middle of December at Bergamo, and leaving in the middle of January (again from Bergamo).

I guess I will have to go to Milan, at some point but it's really the least important stop for me (except for maybe the Duomo cathedral there). I can't hitchhike because it's too cold, so I'm dependant on Italy's discount bus, and rail tickets (if they even exist)? Some rail networks, like Norway, and other bus companies, like a few in London, offer really cheap discount e-tickets if purchased well in advance, sometimes only 1 euro, plus tax. Other countries are really good for rideshare, or lifeshare, (NOT carpooling), where young people share the cost of gas/driving, and more or less ride for free. Does Italy factor in on any of these possibilities?

Please let me know in which order to visit these provinces/regions, and where to spend Christmas, and New Years. Please note I really like landscapes, and photography but prefer to stay away from groups of tourists, Italian or otherwise especially when they're skiing. I don't like ski lifts either, I prefer quiet valleys, and kind, hospitable townspeople, with delicious local foods.

Thanks